Sunburn In Kids - Causes, Symptoms & Treatments You Should Be Aware Of

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The sun is the giver of life! That is a good reason for people across cultures to worship the sun. But the sun can also become cruel at times.

The very rays of the sun that provides us with vitamin D can also cause sunburn or sun damage. If you overstay your visit under the sun, you are likely to injure your skin. Sunburn is bad enough for adults, but for kids, it can become even more painful causing kids sunburn.

Kids who experience sunburn are more likely to get skin cancer as adults (1)!

That is why it is important to protect your child from the harmful rays of the sun.

If you are looking for ways to prevent and treat sunburn in kids, this article is just what you need.

Facts About Kids Sunburn:

The sunrays consist of invisible UV rays. These rays react with melanin, a chemical present in the skin and cause tanning, burning, and other skin damage.

Sunburn is a bigger risk for children with:

Moles on their skin.

Very fair skin and hair (Children with very fair skin ha

ve low levels of melanin, which makes them more susceptible to sunburn). (2)

A family history of moles and skin cancer. (3)

Symptoms Of Sunburn In Children:

So how do you know that your kid has sunburn? Check for the following signs:

Redness in the affected areas

Skin that feels warm

Pain or itching

Swelling

Blisters

Peeling skin

When To Seek Medical Help?

All cases of sunburn warrant a call to the doctor. But the milder cases of sunburn kids need no medical intervention. In case your kid shows the following signs as well as the other common symptoms of sunburn, head to the doctor (4):

Headache

Fever

Chills

Fatigue

[ Read: Headache In Children ]

Can You Prevent Sunburn?

Yes, you surely can prevent sunburn children!

Thankfully, sun protection is no rocket science. You can protect your kid as well as the rest of the family from harmful rays of the sun by following these easy steps:

1. Stay Home:

No, you don’t have to forgo your summer fun or keep your kid indoors all the time. But what you do need to do is keep the family out of the sun between ten in the morning and four in the evening. Most of the harsh rays of the sun can harm your kid’s delicate skin during this period.

[ Read: Heat Rash In Children ]

2. Cover Up:

The best way to protect your kid from sunburn is to ensure he is wearing appropriate clothing. How do you know if your kid is wearing the right clothes? Just place your hand inside the dress. If you can see your hand, the dress is not good enough to protect against sunburn. Make your kid wear full-sleeved shirts and trousers for maximum protection. You can also make sure that your young one wears a hat or cap.

[ Read: Home Remedies To Remove Warts In Children ]

3. Get In The Shade:

If your kid needs to be outside, make sure there is ample shade. If there is a tree around, let your kid spend time under it. If you cannot find any natural shade, make your own! Carry umbrellas, tents, and other sun protective accessories. This is one of the best sunburn relief for kids.